AN ADVENTURER from Pickmere is returning to Switzerland for a rematch with an old enemy.

Andrew Wright, of Pickmere Lane, will attempt to climb the Matterhorn this summer for a second time.

He said: “It is unfinished business, I was on the mountain last in 1999.

“It was in the early part of the climbing season.

“In 1999 I spent two hours climbing above the Hornli Refuge but I had to retreat when a large rock fell past my head only a few feet away.

“I didn't have a helmet and I was the only person on the mountain so I thought it best to go down.

“So I have finally got around to going to the mountain for a second attempt.

“It will be safer at this time of the season because there will be more people on the mountain and also I will take a helmet.

“I will be carrying a heavy backpack and on principle I will walk from the valley up to the Hornli ridge and will not use cable cars”

Andrew is a qualified mountain leader and his list of mountain ascents includes My Rysy in the Polish Tatra, Triglav in Slovenia, Mont Blanc in the French Alps, Toubkal in Morocco and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

He will set off for Switzerland on July 28 and hopes to climb the Matterhorn by the Hornli ridge route from the town of Zermatt.

Andrew is raising money for the Activate Sport Foundation, which allows disadvantaged children to go on sports camps in the UK.

Comments (1)

There are age-related deterioration mechanisms associated with some of the cheaper helmets.
UV radiation can cause breakdown of the polymers used in these products so it's better to be safe than sorry.

Also check that the crampons are not damaged or fatigued.

Andrew,
Ensure that your safety helmet is in date.
There are age-related deterioration mechanisms associated with some of the cheaper helmets.
UV radiation can cause breakdown of the polymers used in these products so it's better to be safe than sorry.
Also check that the crampons are not damaged or fatigued.hectorplain